Monday, 21 December 2015

I am slow on the uptake of some classics and this one is no different. And I'm glad to say it's another off the 1001 list! I am still making my way through and according to the app, I should finish them all before I die!

On to the book. I liked Chandler's writing style, it flows nicely and it was a quick enjoyable read. I love Robert Crais' Elvis Cole series and it is easy to see the influence that Chandler (as I'm sure Hammett has too), has had on modern crime writers. Originally published in 1939, The Big Sleep holds up well as a novel, I didn't feel like I was reading something completely alien, although it's possible not quite as bloody and violent as we are used to today.

I will say, the racism, sexism and homophobia pulled me out of the story (but I think that goes to show that Chandler's work is still accessible to modern crime readers). I had a couple of pauses, 'Did he just say fag?' Ah yep, ok. And yes, let's slap the vulnerable girl, that'll fix things *eye roll* Reading something from this era, I need to remind myself that although it's not right, this was common place thinking.

It may be frustrating for some to read, but I don't agree with removing or editing works that have offensive material, (Huck Finn and Magic Faraway Tree are two examples). I don't think it does anyone any good to pretend that racism, homophobia, sexism didn't exist, it's important to read stories how the author intended and move on from there & hopefully learn from it, especially when we ask children to study these texts in school.

Overall, I enjoyed The Big Sleep. Like I said, it was an easy Sunday afternoon read, I laughed, I groaned and I read it in one sitting. One of things I've been asking myself each time I finish a book from the list - Was this book worthy of a spot on the list and would I read another of his books? And it's yes to both.

Thursday, 22 October 2015

I was a bit disappointed with Shut Out. I remember reading The DUFF and loving it, I was a sweary, snarky teenager and that was the first time I'd read someone similar to me. But this time around, our main character, Lissa, was annoying AF. I understand that she had liked control and that she felt like it was her responsibility to take care of everyone, but if she was my sister or daughter I would've told her what was what. She grated, I don't know if it was the narrator. I can't put my finger on it. I will admit, in the end I grew to like her more and I loved the banter between her and Cash. Maybe I'm getting old. Scratch that - I refuse! I've already moved up an age bracket this year and I'm not having it.

This is loosely based on Lysistrata and I'me definitely going to check that out. This was closer to a 2.5 for me, I want to check out some of the authors other books, hopefully it was just this book that I didn't love.

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

Hooly Dooly...Tyler isn't like any priest I've ever met. I think that's a good thing. This was one of those reads where I'd heard about it on the internet and decided I needed to read it, (much like dino porn - which lets be honest o.O I wasn't fully prepared for!!).

I like the general premise of the idea, who doesn't like a little forbidden love. But this fell flat, sure there was some hot smexy times, but I didn't particularly like Tyler or Poppy. I would've like more story with my smut.

I didn't believe Tyler's reason for becoming a priest and I didn't believe him as one, I thought he was a shitty priest actually. I don't know if it was lack of character development, his blatant flouting of the rules of the Priesthood, the breaking of trust with one of his parishioners - she may have been 'begging for it', but there are lines for a reason. Maybe it was all the f-bombs he was dropping or his annoying at times inner monologue. And seriously, what kind of priest is wanting to cram his dick in places he has no bid'ness putting it. Sure you might struggle with celibacy and impure thoughts, but you're a grownass man - self control people! Self. Control.

And for those who've read it, his use of props was kind of distasteful, I don't care how 'sacred' your sex is, or if you've had a 'religious experience' you're still just banging.Perhaps a little more respect, but that's just me. And the pet name - Lamb - ugh, I cringed each time I read that. So ick.

I get sometimes you want all the banging, but a little character development doesn't go astray. I don't think Tyler's inner monologue was sufficient in that respect. As for Poppy, what I took away from her character was that she was a poor little rich girl, who was bored with her life, chucked a tantrum because she didn't want to do the 'expected thing'. She was happy to be treated like shite (by her ex-bf mainly, but Tyler was an arse to her as well). And she liked sex. A lot.

I'm taking this as the sexy romp it was. I've read worse, but I've also read a whole lot better. The benchmark of any book - would I read another book by the author? Yes. Would I recommend this? Carefully. There's only three people I can think of that wouldn't look at me like I'm a complete degenerate after recommending this to them :)

Thursday, 15 October 2015

It's very last minute on my part but I've decided to participate in the readathon this weekend. I moved the last of my things to the new house on Sunday - lets pretend I've finished unpacking shall we :) I don't have to work, my housemate is in Melbourne for the weekend, so it's me, the dogs, my books and my wine. A winning readathon combination for sure.

I not 100% sure what I'm going to read yet, I have some of the Man Booker titles, including the winner, which I'd love to put a big dent in and I've kept some of my books unboxed. I may check out what is on the shelves at work. All I know for sure is that my TBR will be overly ambitious - but that's how I like it.

So tell me, are you participating? What are you reading? What are your snacks?

Thursday, 8 October 2015

Rock Redemption is a friends to lovers story and it's a format I enjoy. For me it works because the characters know each other, they have that trust and familiarity before they jump into anything else. And this did start out that way.

"He knew her dreams and she was starting to glimpse his, and they were slowly, beautifully, making their way from friendship to love."

Then Noah got his douchbaggery on and rather than talking to Kit he wussed out and set her up in the worst possible way. I was so frustrated by Noah and I really didn't like him at that point. Which was disappointing as I'd loved him in previous books.

I knew this was going to be dark and angsty, it's been hinted throughout the other books that Noah has issues, but I don't think I was prepared for just how much he's dealing with - or not, because that's part of the problem. Rather than talk to someone or work out what he's feeling he bangs groupies and then bangs some more. I'm all for rock star smexy times, but I need you to talk to someone Noah.

For me Rock Redemption wasn't as I'd expected, I thought this would be more of a traditional romance. I love how Nalini writes romance, and I wish there was more of it this time around.

A lot of Rock Redemption is Noah working towards redemption, rebuilding his friendship with Kit and trying to deal with his issues. I loved that Kit was willing to stick it out and help Noah deal, they've both been hurt by things in their past and it takes strength to face it.

This wasn't romancepalooza, but I liked the reality even thought I didn't like the situation. Not all out heroes are perfect in real life, they do some horrible, unforgivable things. Life isn't a fairy tale and sometimes our books need to reflect that. This works for me because sometimes I just need the angst!

Ultimately we want a HEA and we get that. I do feel a little like their story is unfinished, mainly because it's only the last 20-25% that they really get together. I'd love to revisit them in a novella and I'm sure we will see more of them in Abe's book.

I thought that this would be my favorite book of the series, but it didn't bump Rock Hard off that shelf. I still have a T-Rex stomping through my heart!

NOW AVAILABLE

Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness…until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart.

Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, but he’d rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It’s his saving grace, but it doesn’t silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours’ sleep and his bad boy reputation.

When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new “it” couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting—needing—to give Kit this, even if he can’t give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful…and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John.

Excerpt from ROCK REDEMPTION by

Nalini Singh

Kit groaned at the sound of her phone. Reaching out blindly toward the nightstand, she hurled mental curses upon herself for forgetting to turn it off so she could catch some uninterrupted sleep before her four-a.m. makeup call.

It’d be fun and great for her career, her agent had said when recommending Kit take the superhero flick. Coming off two serious and emotionally wrenching projects, Kit had taken Harper’s advice and jumped on board the high-budget, high-octane venture. Unfortunately, Harper had forgotten to mention the four hours it would take to put her into the head-to-toe makeup required for the role. Daily.

“What?” she snarled into the phone without checking to see who it was.

“Hey, Katie.”

Every cell in her body snapped wide awake. Lifting her eyelids, she just stared at the ceiling through gritty eyes. Her heart thumped, her throat moving convulsively as she swallowed. She hated that he could still do this to her, hated it, but her visceral response to Noah wasn’t something she could stop. She knew because she’d tried for the past two years and three months.

“Noah,” she said flatly. “Do you know what time it is?”

“Two fifteen,” he answered.

Kit should’ve hung up. God, he’d hurt her. So much. But there was something in his voice that had her sitting up. “Are you drunk?” One thing she knew about Noah: no matter his bad-boy rep, he was never wasted. He might give a good indication of it, but look closely and those dark gray eyes were always sober.

“Probably.” A silence, followed by, “I just wanted to hear your voice. Sorry for waking you.”

“Wait,” she said when he would’ve hung up. “Where are you?”

“Some dive.” He took a deep breath, released it in a harsh exhale. “I’m sorry for being an asshole. I wanted to tell you that. I don’t want to go without saying that.”

“Noah,” she said, a horrible feeling in her stomach. “Where exactly are you?”

“The Blue Flamingo Inn off Hollywood Boulevard. Far, far, far off.” He laughed, and it held no humor. “It has a neon sign of a blue—surprise!—flamingo that’s flashing right through my window. Looks like someone stole the curtains.”

Having already grabbed her laptop, which she’d left beside the bed after answering some e-mails before sleep claimed her, she found the Blue Flamingo Inn. But Noah was already gone, having said, “I love your voice, Kit,” in an oddly raw tone before hanging up.

He didn’t pick up when she called back.

“Damn it! Damn it!” She shoved aside the blanket under which she’d been buried, having turned the AC to ice-cold as she usually did at night. Shivering, she tugged on a pair of jeans and an old sweatshirt over the panties and tank top in which she’d gone to sleep.

Pulling her black hair into a rough ponytail to keep it out of her eyes, she ran through the house, phone in one pocket, credit card and driver’s license in the other. In the kitchen, she grabbed her keys off the counter and shoved her feet into the tennis shoes by the door that led to the garage.

She was in her car and on the way to the motel three minutes after Noah had hung up, mouth dry and an ugliness in her gut. “Please be okay, please be okay, please be okay,” she kept saying, the mantra doing nothing to calm her down, but at least it kept her mind focused.

She wanted to call Molly and Fox, or the others in the band, but no one was currently in the city. Schoolboy Choir had completed the final show in the band’s hugely successful tour just over two weeks earlier. Day after that, they’d all gone their separate ways to recharge and regroup.

“Much as I love these guys,” David had said with a grin that reached the dark gold of his eyes, “I’ve been looking at their ugly mugs daily for months. We need to go blow off some steam separately before we start snarling at each other.”

At the time, Kit had nodded in understanding, having had that same experience while working on location for long periods. Tonight, however, she wished the others were all here, not scattered across the country, because something was very wrong with Noah.

“Noah doesn’t do drugs,” she told herself as she drove as fast as she dared, not wanting to risk getting pulled over and further delayed. “He isn’t the kind to—” She couldn’t say it, couldn’t even think of Noah ending his life. “No,” she said firmly, her hands white-knuckled on the steering wheel. “Noah isn’t like that.”

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling, Guild Hunter, and Rock Kiss series Nalini Singh usually writes about hot shapeshifters and dangerous angels. This time around, she decided to write about a beautiful, charismatic guitarist with a dark past. If you’re seeing a theme here, you’re not wrong.

Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing. If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. Also, don't forget to swing by the site to check out the special behind-the-scenes page for the Rock Kissseries, complete with photos of many of the locations used in the books.

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Since the WWWEdnesdays Meme that I used to participate in is no longer, (and I still haven't got into the swing of thins with the new format), I thought I'd share what I'm currently read and what I've got lined up to start next.

What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman

This one is for book club and tells the story of the Bethany Girls, who go missing from a shopping mall in the 70s and 20 odd years later a lady turns up claiming that she's the younger girl. I'm enjoying it so far, it's an easy read compared to the last couple of non - fiction we've chosen. I'm enjoying the writing style and I like that there are a few characters that the story unfolds around, (both in the past and present). I'm guessing there's a twist coming and I'm looking forward to discussing it later in the month.

Priest by Sierra Simone

Hoo Boy - this one isn't for the faint of heart and possibly for the religious! I'm guessing that this could and would cause offence. This was a book that a lady I chat with on Twitter was reading and from her comments I was "I need to read this". Tyler Bell aka Father Bell falls for one of his parishioners, Poppy. Lots of kink and WTFkery ensues. This is working for me as much as it isn't. Full review to come.

Talking about WTF, I'm also reading Nicholas by Elizabeth Amber. I heard about this from a Book Thingo podcast. A double pronged penis that cleans up after itself!?!? What is this madness - I have no idea, but I'm about to find out.

I finished reading The Dressmaker byRosalie Ham recently, she's going to be visiting our library next week. Looking forward to meeting her and seeing what everyone else thought about the book. This has been made into a movie which I'm looking forward to - the costumes will be amazing. Tilley returns to town amid accusations and scandal from the past.

Thursday, 10 September 2015

I can't believe I almost missed my anniversary again. It's been 7 years since I first started it, way back then it was called How Do You Like My Blog Now Hans Brix! (Obvs. I was big on Team America: World Police) Matt Damon!! Initially I began the blog because of a work course (Web 2.0), there was a long list of social media that we had to join and use, some are no longer functioning - delicious for one - others I've long stopped using. But I continue to blog, the main reason, because I love discussing books!

When I look back at my old posts I cringe, they're not particularly well written but I like to see how better I've become at getting my point across and how much I can still improve. I always say it, but I wish that I was more consistent with my posting, but I'm sure I'm not alone in trying to get that balance right. Hopefully that's something that I get better at too.

I don't get a huge amount of comments on my blog, but I'd like to say thank you to those who do take the time to read my reviews, comment or share a post. I know it's hard to find time to but I really appreciate it.

Until next time, happy reading and RELEASE THE PANTHERS!!!! ...what can I say - I'm still a fan :)

But when they’re forced to work together on a critical military mission, Dane can’t help but notice how the one woman he shouldn’t want is the only one he can’t stop thinking about.

Ivy knows what it’s like to fall for a SEAL’s hard muscles and killer smile—and she knows what it’s like when everything falls apart. So why is she naked against a wall and begging Dane for more?

The 9th book in the Hostile Operations Team series and the 1st in the HOT SEAL series. While this is a spin-off it opens up more avenues for the continuation of the series with both new and existing characters. I'm excited to see where the addition of a SEAL team will take the series. This novella is a perfect introduction for our new characters. You don't have to have read the other books in the series, but I do recommend that you don't start with this book, simply because it gives away the pairings of couples from earlier books and there are possible spoilers. But I also think that because the series has a number of books (this will make 9), that it's more enjoyable and you get a better picture of the dynamics of the team, the over arching story line that is weaved throughout the books if you do read them in order. Each book ends with a satisfying finish, but there is the 'Big Bad' which the members of HOT continue to fight.I'm a sucker for second chances, I'm not quite sure what it is, (maybe I am a big softie at heart), but I like it. Especially when you have characters that have had a relationship before and let's get real - I read romance - I'm a sucker for a HEA!! The prologue starts five years ago and it sets Dane & Ivy up, just married, completely in love, blazin' up the sheets and VERY hot for each other. I was looking forward to them meeting up again and I wasn't disappointed. From the first time Dane & Ivy reunited I was 'pass the popcorn, this is about to get good'. I had a big dopey grin on my face and I just knew he was going to be a shit stirrer :) "She didn't expect him to be looking at her, or maybe she did. He didn't know, but he didn't look away. Instead, he gave her a slow grin. And then he winked."

They both have baggage to work through, their relationship didn't have closure and even though it'll make their mission messy, they can't stay away from each other. What can I say - sexy complications are the best kind. I'm pretty sure I say this in each of my HOT reviews, but I love that the heroines are strong, sassy and can get shit done. Ivy is that in spades, she is a take no crap, get shit done DEA agent. She's proud of the work she does and I love that she isn't a damsel in distress. And Dane...lord do I love a military hero. He's alpha, but not overbearing and I love that even though they've both hurt each other, as soon as Ivy needs it, Dane is there to help.

I mentioned the team before and I loved revisiting them. I get the sense that they are lots of fun, I think I could stand to spend some weekend BBQ time with them.

"I know you will, you ornery Cajun motherfucker." "Can't wait to see you." "Easy does it sir. I'm spoken for."

I love that with the spin-off series we are getting some new characters. I'm interested to see more of Ace, Ivy's partner, and the rest of Dane's SEAL team. The focus was on our H & H, but I'm sure we will see more of the team in the future. And Mendez!! Mendez is going to be the death of me when he finally gets his own story!! I really hope it's soon.

I'd definitely recommend this series, it has fast become one of my favorite to read and if you love military romance, hotboys being sexy badass hotboys, with a side of snark & sass this is the book for you.

Tuesday, 8 September 2015

I am so excited for the next installment in the Rock Kiss series to come out. Nalini Singh has quickly become one of my favorite authors since my friend introduced me to her Psy-Changling series. For the longest time she kept telling me to try it, when I finally did I had one of those "Why have I waited so long to try this author moments". I highly recommend the series if you haven't already tried it.

If contemporary is more your style - look no further than the Rock Kiss series. I devoured them one after the other during the Australia Romance Readers Convention earlier this year and the wait from March this year has been a long one! I was lucky enough to be part of the cover reveal/blog tour last time and I'm glad I can share in the fun again. I'm looking forward to Noah & Kit's story and I have a feeling this one is going to break my heart a little.

Check out the beautiful cover below, are you as excited as I am?! There is also pre-order information and links if you would like to buy the other books in the series.

PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE

From New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh comes the next contemporary romance in the Rock Kiss series...

Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness...until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart.

Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, hut he'd rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It's his saving grace, but it doesn't silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours' sleep and his bad boy reputation.

When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new "it" couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting--needing--to give Kit this, even if he can't give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful...and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John.

Tuesday, 1 September 2015

I am slow on the uptake of some classics and this one is no different. And I'm glad to say it's another off the 1001 list! I am still making my way through and according to the app, I should finish them all before I die!

On to the book. I liked Chandler's writing style, it flows nicely and it was a quick enjoyable read. I love Robert Crais' Elvis Cole series and it is easy to see the influence that Chandler (as I'm sure Hammett has too), has had on modern crime writers. Originally published in 1939, The Big Sleep holds up well as a novel, I didn't feel like I was reading something completely alien, although it's possible not quite as bloody and violent as we are used to today.

I will say, the racism, sexism and homophobia pulled me out of the story (but I think that goes to show that Chandler's work is still accessible to modern crime readers). I had a couple of pauses, 'Did he just say fag?' Ah yep, ok. And yes, let's slap the vulnerable girl, that'll fix things *eye roll* Reading something from this era, I need to remind myself that although it's not right, this was common place thinking.

It may be frustrating for some to read, but I don't agree with removing or editing works that have offensive material, (Huck Finn and Magic Faraway Tree are two examples). I don't think it does anyone any good to pretend that racism, homophobia, sexism didn't exist, it's important to read stories how the author intended and move on from there & hopefully learn from it, especially when we ask children to study these texts in school.

Overall, I enjoyed The Big Sleep. Like I said, it was an easy Sunday afternoon read, I laughed, I groaned and I read it in one sitting. One of things I've been asking myself each time I finish a book from the list - Was this book worthy of a spot on the list and would I read another of his books? And it's yes to both.

Saturday, 29 August 2015

I was provided an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. All the squees are my own.

Another great edition to HOT, for me this series just keeps delivering – both with the action and with the feels. With the addition of Dane and his team (HOT SEAL – coming out in September), I like where the series is going. And we are that much closer to Mendez’ story, which from what Harris is laying down in Hot & Bothered, it’s going to be HOT.

This time around our Hero & Heroine (Ryan & Emily) are dealing with forbidden attraction – he needs to stay away from her because of her past and his job. We first met Emily in HOT Rebel, (Nick & Victoria’s story), she is the sister that Victoria went rogue for and it’s not until now that we’re really getting to know her. Since being back in the US, Ryan has been one person that Emily can really confide in, he is a big part of her coping with everything that’s happened since the desert, Bin Yusef and her rescue. But when Ian Black gives her a chance to clear her name and make things right, how can she say no?

In the previous books we’ve mostly seen Ryan as the joker, the class clown. So it’s a little different to see him as both vulnerable and the big bad protector. Although I admit it was nice to see beyond the surface. Emily manages to get past that and in that sense they’re perfect for each other, they work through their problems together. They’re both as stubborn as each other to begin with, so it’s fun to see the give and take in their relationship.

I like that Harris continues to write strong female characters, sure they can’t do everything on their own and I don’t expect them to, but they’re resourceful, strong and they kick arse – these characters feel real to me, they aren’t cookie cutter. And that is why this series continues to be one of my favourites.

I know for the previous couple of stories in the series I’ve said the books can be read as stand-alones, but I think that it’s better to read them in order, there are tidbits of information that relate to previous stories and while they aren’t major spoilers it’s nice to start the series as Harris intended and let’s be honest why wouldn’t you want to read them all.

About Me

This almost librarian is a simple kinda girl, I like sexy books, cook books, well books in general really, in fact, they're one of my favourite things! I have a dog (Maggie). I like all kinds of movies. I love UFC (go GSP), mmm...chocolate, did I mention chocolate and turkey and coke...but hey what girl doesn't :) Currently crushing on the delicious Tom Hardy *sigh*

Childrens Book Week 2007

Someone left the catnip out!!

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